Aldo Nova – Blood On The Bricks

I bloody love this album! Not surprising as I’m a huge (Jon) Bon Jovi fan and you can tell from a mile off it has him written all over it! It’s just a great fun album to listen to and sing along to as it has great catchy shouty chorus’ and a couple of amazing ballads!
I remember when my dad first played this album to me when I was younger and I fell in love with it!
It’s a massive shame it didn’t do better. It’s so underrated! It’s also discontinued which is devastating so I hope my CD never breaks or scratches!

Originally released in 1991, Blood on the Bricks was the fourth album from Canadian singer/guitarist/keyboardist Aldo Nova. Nowhere near as popular as his self-titled 1982 debut (and the hit single “Fantasy”), the overlooked Blood on the Bricks was still one of Nova’s better releases.

Blood on the Bricks was a comeback album for Aldo Nova. He had been largely absent as a solo artist since his 1985 album Twitch (also fantastic, also underrated), but remained active as a songwriter and producer. For this album, Nova was assisted by none other than Jon Bon Jovi, who provided songwriting support, backing vocals and even a record label. Bass duties were handled by future American Idol judge Randy Jackson.

Not surprisingly, Blood on the Bricks has a lot in common with the arena-rocking Bon Jovi albums that came out around that time. I also hear similarities to bands like Bad English and Brian Howe era Bad Company. It’s an incredibly melodic rock album with plenty of catchy hooks and shout-along choruses, and just enough in the way of keyboards. Nova’s voice is in fine shape, and when he launches into a guitar solo you suddenly remember how this AOR hitmaker could totally smoke on guitar. The rocking title track and the ballad “Someday” were the singles, but nearly all of the songs on this album could have been hits.

Sadly, Blood on the Bricks did not gain Nova much attention or popularity. Nova went back to behind-the-scenes work, much to melodic rock fans’ regret. If you’re a fan of the late ‘80s melodic rock sound, or just remember Aldo Nova from the “Fantasy” days, you’d do well to give this album a try. It’s a real melodic rock gem.